Master confusing words with ease
Obsolescent vs. Obsolete
Obsolescent
/ˌɒbsəˈlesənt◂/Examples:
Many fear that manual skills are becoming obsolescent.VCRs are now largely considered obsolescent technology.The company's practices have grown obsolescent over time.
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Antonyms:
Obsolete
/ˈɒbsəliːt/Examples:
The technology was rendered obsolete by newer innovations.His thinking is now considered obsolete in modern contexts.She found an obsolete manual that was no longer relevant.
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Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Think of obsolescent as being in the process of becoming obsolete, but not quite there yet.
- Obsolescent items are still in use, whereas obsolete items are already out of use or date.
- While obsolete means something is no longer produced or used, obsolescent items may still have some time before they become obsolete.
- If something is obsolescent, it may still have some relevance or application, albeit limited.
- Obsolete means completely outdated; imagine a typewriter in the digital age.
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